by AP

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California's efforts to collect information on 911 medical responses around the state are floundering because of flawed data and aging computers.

The L.A Times says the state Emergency Medical Services Authority has been trying for three years to collect and centralize reports on millions of emergency medical responses to help improve life-saving practices.

But officials say many fire departments and ambulance operations have been unable to provide usable information because they have different ways of calculating response times. Some also use outmoded computers or even paper records.

The Times also says nearly half of the state's 32 regional emergency medical agencies haven't contributed reports to the state system. Some cite lack of money and time for the voluntary program.